iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 03/06/2026

I just watched a John Oliver episode on the movie poster industry in Ghana, and I am now obsessed. Classic films! #nailedit

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 23/12/2025

Day 22: Family and memories are a constant theme on our tree. Sometimes it’s subtle, and sometimes, like today’s ornament, it’s impossible to miss. Jenn and her siblings have a special place on our tree, haircuts and all! 💕🎄 #25DaysOfOrnaments #Family ##ChristmasMemories

A double sided Christmas ornament hanging on a tree, showing childhood photos of Jenn and her siblings when they were young. The images highlight family memories, growth over time, and a sense of warmth and nostalgia, with youthful expressions and unmistakably classic childhood haircuts.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 22/12/2025

Day 21: For those in the know, this is the Enterprise D from an alternate timeline in the TNG finale All Good Things. I remember watching this episode with Gibby in a common area of a Cal Tech dorm. Another reminder of how stories stick to ornaments. 🎄🖖✨ #25DaysOfOrnaments #StarTrek #Memories

Glass Christmas ornament depicting the USS Enterprise D with visible battle damage from an alternate timeline. The ship hangs on a Christmas tree, detailed with its saucer section, warp nacelles, and darker markings that suggest a hardened, future version of the starship from Star Trek The Next Generation.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 21/12/2025

Day 20: As Christmas gets closer, I think about December snow from my childhood and heading outside with my brother to build snowmen. 💕 This ornament has always been a favorite. It reminds me how much this season is about family. ☃️🎄 #25DaysOfOrnaments #HolidayMemories

A classic snowman Christmas ornament hanging on a tree. The snowman wears a winter hat and scarf and has a friendly, cheerful expression. The ornament evokes childhood winter memories and family traditions associated with building snowmen and the holiday season.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 20/12/2025

Day 19: A close friend gave me this today, and I was truly touched. We share a love of bourbon and a well-made Old Fashioned. 💕I am blessed to be surrounded by people who bring thoughtfulness, generosity, and joy into my life. Thank you, Olivia!!! 🥃🎄💛 #25DaysOfOrnaments #OldFashioned #Friendship

A Christmas tree ornament shaped like an Old Fashioned cocktail, featuring an orange slice, a cherry, and an ice cube in a short rocks glass. The ornament hangs on a Christmas tree surrounded by green branches and warm white lights, reflecting a love of bourbon, cocktails, and friendship.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 19/12/2025

Day 18: A dear friend gave me this handmade ornament today. Some ornaments are about the people who have been part of our lives for a long time. Friendship has earned its place on our tree, and this one is a reminder of how much those relationships matter to us. ✨🎄 #25DaysOfOrnaments #Friendship

A handmade star ornament hanging on a Christmas tree, crafted with textured materials and soft neutral tones. Nearby branches hold Star Trek ornaments, including the USS Enterprise and a Klingon Bird of Prey, appearing to fly past the star. The ornament symbolizes friendship and shared history, surrounded by warm white lights and evergreen needles.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 18/12/2025

Day 17: With the vitriol and vileness flying around, I thought today’s ornament might help me center myself. It seems fitting that Josh Groban is singing a Christmas song in my office. 🙂 Wishing you peace, love, and space to breathe wherever you are. 🕊️🎄✨ #25DaysOfOrnaments #SeasonOfReflection

A Christmas tree ornament featuring a simple, peaceful design symbolizing calm and reflection. The ornament hangs among warm white lights and evergreen branches, evoking a sense of peace, balance, and quiet during the holiday season.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 17/12/2025

Day 16: We don’t visit the National Archives every year, but when we do, I always appreciate the stop. Seeing the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights in person never gets old. 📜🏛️🎄 #25DaysOfOrnaments #HistoryOnTheTree

A Christmas tree ornament depicting the National Archives building, featuring classical columns and the iconic façade. The ornament represents visits to Washington DC and the experience of seeing historic documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Magna Carta in person.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 16/12/2025

Day 15: Monticello has earned a place on our tree and in my heart. Such a beautiful location and an amazing home. Jefferson loved books, gadgets, and homemade inventions. The house is full of gadgets and little surprises. My kind of house! 🎄📚🏛️ #25DaysOfOrnaments #Monticello #HistoryOnTheTree

A painted Christmas ornament depicting Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson. The ornament shows the recognizable white domed mansion set against green trees and blue sky, hanging from a ribbon on a Christmas tree. Warm white lights and nearby branches frame the ornament, giving it a classic, historic holiday feel.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 15/12/2025

Day 14: In 2017, took a cross-country road trip. The four of us, 26 states, and about 11,000 miles. We visited Yellowstone National Park. It is one of our favorite places, and this ornament makes me think of the great time we had together. 🌲🚐 #25DaysOfOrnaments #Yellowstone #FamilyRoadTrip

A green glass ornament with a red ribbon reading “Yellowstone,” hanging on a Christmas tree with white lights and a poinsettia-patterned ribbon in the background.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 14/12/2025

Day 13: Christmas needs a captain Christmas. The final frontier. These are the voyages of our holiday tree. Its ongoing mission: to explore strange new ornaments, to seek out old memories and familiar favorites, to boldly hang what brings us joy. ✨🖖 #25DaysOfOrnaments #StarTrek #HolidayTraditions

A Christmas tree ornament of Captain James T. Kirk seated in the classic Starfleet captain’s chair. He wears a gold uniform and rests his chin thoughtfully on one hand. The ornament hangs among green pine branches, red ribbon, and warm white holiday lights, blending classic Star Trek imagery with a festive setting.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 13/12/2025

It was ugly sweater day at Pinewood today. I gave a little extra. Jenn got me the socks! 😁🎅🏻🎄

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 13/12/2025

Day 12: We’re at the midpoint of our journey, and it felt right to go with a Christmas favorite. I don’t remember his story, but we hang Frosty on our tree every year because he makes us happy. Hopefully, he brightens your day too as you scroll. ☃️🎄 #25DaysOfOrnaments #HolidayJoy #ChristmasMagic

A smiling snowman ornament with a carrot nose and black button eyes hangs on a Christmas tree. He wears red earmuffs, a blue coat, and a white scarf, with small gold wings on his back. Warm white lights and green branches surround the ornament, giving it a cheerful, classic holiday feel.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 12/12/2025

Day 11: I’ve chaperoned many DC and Virginia trips, and Michie Tavern is always a favorite stop. Built in the late 1700s, it’s full of charm, warmth, and truly incredible fried chicken! Every visit brings comfort, history, and great memories. 🍗❤️ #25DaysOfOrnaments #MichieTavern

A round Christmas ornament featuring an illustration of the historic Michie Tavern. The artwork shows the iconic white building with its red roof, front porch, and surrounding greenery. A path leads up to the entrance, giving it a warm, welcoming feel. The ornament is painted in a soft watercolor style with gentle shading and classic holiday tones, hanging from a red ribbon on a Christmas tree branch.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 11/12/2025

Day 10: I love the classics just as much as our unique ones. I have always loved this Santa ornament. Something about it feels so simple and joyful. Here is a haiku in its honor. Santa swings with cheer, Dangling treats and tiny dreams, Magic on a string. #25DaysOfOrnaments #SantaMagic #HolidayJoy

A classic Santa Claus ornament hangs from a Christmas tree branch. Santa is dressed in his traditional red suit with white trim and black boots. He is perched on a small swing, holding decorative treats—candy canes and festive bundles—dangling from each hand like tiny gifts. The swing is supported by a curved red-and-white striped pole attached above him. The tree around him is lit with warm white Christmas lights, and hints of green pine needles frame the ornament. The overall feeling is whimsical and nostalgic, capturing the warmth and charm of a traditional, old-fashioned Christmas decoration.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 10/12/2025

Day 9: I’ve been playing D&D since I was 11 and loved sharing it with my boys. One monster they love to hate is the mimic. It looks harmless until it very much is not. After years of tormenting their party, it was only right that one found a place on our tree. 🎲🎄 #25DaysOfOrnaments #DnD #Memories

A Christmas tree ornament shaped like a red gift box with a yellow ribbon, but the lid is open to reveal sharp white teeth and a long blue tongue. It hangs from a red ribbon among green branches and glowing lights.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 09/12/2025

Day 8: Back in 2019, before COVID, we hosted one of the strangest assemblies I have ever seen at Pinewood: The Misty and the Sandman Steampunk Hypnosis Experience. A good friend later turned their stickers into this ornament, preserved forever on our tree. 🎄 #25DaysOfOrnaments #SteampunkChristmas

Handmade Christmas tree ornament created from stickers associated with “The Misty and the Sandman Steampunk Hypnosis Experience.” The ornament has a whimsical, steampunk-inspired look and hangs among other decorations on a Christmas tree, serving as a nostalgic reminder of a memorable school assembly from 2019.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 07/12/2025

Day 7 My Aunt Judy made this ornament for me when I was a kid. She passed a long time ago, but I still think about her often. Every year it has a place on our tree, and every year I see her. It holds memories, love, and reminds us of those who still live in our hearts. 💕🎄 #25DaysOfOrnaments #Family

A handmade Christmas tree ornament crafted years ago by the maker’s aunt. The ornament hangs on a green, light-filled Christmas tree and shows signs of age and care, representing family, love, and cherished memories passed down through generations.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 07/12/2025

Day 6: This past summer, Jenn and I visited Sandals Jamaica South Coast. We love cats, so this ornament came home with us as a reminder of that trip. After the recent hurricane, our thoughts are with the people of Jamaica as they recover. 🇯🇲🐾 #25DaysOfOrnaments #Jamaica #Grateful

Red hand carved wooden cat ornament with yellow and green painted details hanging on a Christmas tree, surrounded by green branches, ribbon, and white lights.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 06/12/2025

Day 5: “I am NOT a merry man” A little bat’leth spirit for the season! Lieutenant Commander Worf is in all his Klingon glory. Few characters embody honor and loyalty the way Worf does. Seeing him on our tree always makes me smile. 🎄🖖⚔️ #25DaysOfOrnaments #StarTrek #KlingonHolidays

A Christmas ornament of Worf from Star Trek: The Next Generation. He is posed mid-swing with a bat’leth, wearing his TNG uniform and Klingon sash. The ornament hangs among green branches with warm white Christmas lights.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 05/12/2025

Day 4: Jenn’s sister once spent time in South Africa helping with their new constitution. She brought us this basket ornament, and we’ve treasured it ever since. We’re proud of all she’s done, and I’m proud to call her sister. 💕🌍🎄 #25DaysOfOrnaments

A blue and white woven basket ornament hangs on a Christmas tree. The basket is shaped like a small lidded pot with tightly coiled fibers, set against blurred green branches and warm holiday lights.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 04/12/2025

Day 3: In 2003 we bought our current house. With two little boys, we needed more room than our small condo. It was meant to be a five year house, but twenty two years later it is still home. A wonderful neighborhood filled with great people, memories, and moments we treasure. 💕🏡✨ #25DaysOfOrnaments

A wooden house-shaped Christmas ornament hangs on a tree branch. The ornament is painted red with a green roof and white trim. A small wreath is attached to the front door, and a few tiny cut-out windows glow from the surrounding tree lights. The ornament sits among green pine needles with warm white Christmas lights softly illuminating the scene, creating a cozy, homey feeling.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 03/12/2025

Day 2: The NSEA Protector! The best Star Trek movie that was not actually a Star Trek movie. I was so excited to find this ornament! More like this to come! Jenn’s favorite. 🤣🚀✨ “By Grabthar’s Hammer, by the Suns of Warvan, you shall be avenged!” #25DaysOfOrnaments #GalaxyQuest #SciFiHolidays

A Christmas tree ornament of the NSEA Protector from Galaxy Quest hangs on a branch. The starship is silver and sleek with blue accents and a central glowing element. Warm Christmas lights shine behind it, illuminating the smooth shape of the ship as it appears to glide through the tree like it is traveling through space.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 02/12/2025

Back for 2025! Day 1: Starting with a new ornament! I picked up The General’s Prayer during our 8th grade trip to Mount Vernon in September. As a GW super fan, this one makes me happy and reminds me of the season ahead, filled with love, reflection, and respect for all. 🎄✨ #25DaysOfOrnaments

A detailed Christmas ornament hangs on a tree branch. It depicts George Washington kneeling in prayer in a snowy forest, framed by ornate gold pillars, red bows, and pine garland. At the top is a gold eagle with “Mount Vernon 2025,” and at the bottom is a banner reading “The General’s Prayer.” The ornament is lit gently by the warm glow of nearby Christmas lights behind it.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 03/11/2025

I was quite happy with the results!!!

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 03/11/2025

I haven’t made calzone is a long while. I decided to make a homemade meatball and a ham and cheese. I used to make my sauce from scratch, now I use a jar but enhance it. It cooks for a couple of hours. I make the meatballs.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 08/09/2025

The final results of today’s rib extravaganza! The cherry BBQ sauce my friend made was delicious! 🙂

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 07/09/2025

Three racks of ribs rubbed and ready to slow cook until I sauce them later. A friend makes her own cherry BBQ sauce, yes with real cherries. I am excited for it!!! #ribs #NFLSunday

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 07/09/2025

The same people attacking California’s Prop 50 saying it is attack on democracy are the same people cheering Texas and other red states who are election tampering. Should we have Prop 50, absolutely not, but sadly, we can’t afford not to.

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 06/09/2025

Have a great weekend, everyone!!!! 😁 #tradition

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 01/09/2025

Greetings from the crime ridden hell hole that is San Francisco. #SFGiants #OraclePark

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 28/08/2025

The game got out of hand last night and the Cubs put in a position player to pitch. 45 MPH was his power pitch. Most were in the 30s. A great win. #oraclepark #sfgiants

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 28/08/2025

A pop up Peruvian place at the park. Chicken and potatoes. It is good. Spicy chicken! #OraclePark #SFGiants

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 19/08/2025

Some shots from the opening assembly

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 19/08/2025

Day 1: The 2025–26 school year begins. Today was the annual rite of “new beginnings” for our K–12 students. A spectacular entrance dance from our seniors, the introduction of the theme of the year, fun and games, and time to reconnect with friends. 🙂 #K12Adventure #FirstDayFeels

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Bill Bates @batescentral.com · 20/07/2025